Folding door construction having movable guide track



April 17, 1962 R. E. O'GBURN ET AL 3,029,868

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK April 17, 1962 R. E. OGBURN ET AL FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 '7 Sheets-Shea?l 2 s M n Q, a of lbtlwl. -111-11,Ililmimmw 4 JJ, l l l l 1| ll|llllllxwmmllllul|llH ||HI|I|| HUIIIIHUIUW/ M W 16m @A d w 5.6/ m W/ M o M W f a A m g d Lfgl April 17, 1962 R. E. OGBURN ETAL 3,029,858

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING NOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 9 hwg-9 April 17, 1962 .OGBURN ETAL 3,029,868

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 17, 1962 R. E. oGEsLJRN ET Ax. 3,029,868l

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 17, 1962 R. E. oGBURN ET AL 3,029,868

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING NOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS Rav E. caen/RM cfm/a es 5. omar/RN,

B 'wa/AM f/-msw/v:

45'1- ArraR/vf VJ April 17, 1962 R. E. OGBURN ETAL 3,029,868

FOLDING DOOR CONSTRUCTION HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Filed Aug. 19, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 www DM/Jun 5 N @GNL n i f m ,I Om J, W qu D .V/ n N\+ oww .WN EN www Omwomv/ WMM .llunwxnruuuwlHuHHIH -llilllllfll w IW R\ A WQ I o N, 5% w M :im l um w mw WN 1 .N W. @om L im@ l 0. MM# Lum RM J dvmllf/ /f om mlvOm-l 1 m /s NU www c .f v./ .L f. L n 9m. Ndxfwfmh .....J.. V. Qm www 00m w ONM NSO w \ow Owvw I om .wm .Suv I www! Nmvv V \NW N mw? .www lv latent f l3 029 868 j FoLDiNo noon cbNsrRUcrroN HAVING MOVABLE GUIDE TRACK Ray E. Ogburn, Bladensburg, and Charles E. Ogburn,

Seabrook, Md., and William H. Blevins, Washington,

D.C., assignors to Superior Millwork, Inc., Bladensburg, Md., a corporation of Maryland Y Filed Aug. 19, 1960, Ser. No. 50,659

12 Claims. (Cl. 160-118) This invention is directed to folding door construc-V tion and, more specifically, to new and novel improvements in folding door constructionsk which involve the employment of movable guide tracks. f' l Among the general objectives of the invention is the provision of folding door constructions, including guide tracks,` which permit manipulation of the doors through a substantially 180' degree path of travel, thereby to render the doors movable from an extended position closing olf a door opening, to a retracted, folded position clear of the opening and substantially ush against each other and the adjoining wall surface.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide guide means for folding doors which permit the doors to be moved from the aforesaid extended position to the said retracted position, wherein the guide means are located entirely within the opening defined by the framework of the door opening, when the doors are in their extended positions, so as to present a pleasing and uncomplicated appearance.

A particular advantage arising from one form of folding door construction and assembled in accordance with this invention is that the door panels thereof completely conceal the associated track assembly, .when the doors are positioned inthe extended, closed location.

Another object of this invention is to provide folding door constructions of the types hereinbefore referred to which are adapted for use as closet doors, although not j limited to this type of installation. Y

Another object is to provide guide means hardware which furnishes smooth operation, is relatively inexpensive to-manufacture, install, and maintain, and is easily replaceable. f

The foregoing and ancillary objects are attained by this invention, preferred embodiments of which are set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective .View of the folding door installation employing a guide means in accordance with the teachings of this invention;v l*

FIGURE 2 is a partial'perspective view of a two-door folding door installation utilizing the guide means' constructed and assembled in accordance lwith the teachings of this invention;

FIGURE 2a is an enlarged, detail perspective View of one element of the assembly seen in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially along the section line 3 3 of FIG- URE 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 4' is an enlarged fragmentary, vertical crosssectional` View along the section line 4-4 of FIGURE 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged horizontal cross-section,

direction of the arrows; A

FIGURE 6 is a View similar to FIGURE 5, but illustrating the' folding doors vthereof in their extended location; A t

FIGURE 7' is* a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the upper portion ofthe folding door of FIGURE 1, showing the details of the guide means employed therein;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective-view of a folding door installation similar to that of FIGURE 1, but ex'nployingl a modified form of guide means;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged vertical cross-section taken substantially along the vertical plane of the section line y 9--9 of FIGURE 8, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-,section taken along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 9, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged horizontal cross-section, taken along section line 11-11 of FIGURE 8, looking inthe direction of the arrows, showing the folding door of FIGURE 8 in the extended location; i

'FIGURE lf2 is a View similar to FIGURE ll but showving the folding door in the retracted position in full 1 lines and showing intermediate locations in phantom lines;

, of the component yelements of the arrangement of FIG- URE l5;

FIGURE 16 is `an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the section line 16-,16 of FIGURE l5, looking in the direction of the arrows; t

v FIGURE 17 isv a further enlarged, detail, cross-sectional view taken substantially along the horizontal plane v of the line 17--17 of FIGURE 16, looking in the direction of the arrows;

v FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of yet another two-v panel folding door construction, wherein another embodi-y ment of the guide means of the present inventionis utilized;

FIGURE 19 is an enlarged, detail, cross-sectionalview taken along the line 19--19 of FIGURE 18, lookingin the direction of the arrows; v

FIGURE 2() is another detail'cross-sectional View,

, takenon the line Ztl-Ztlv of FIGURE 19, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 21 is a disassembled perspective View of the guide means `of FIGURE 18;

FIGURE 22 isjan enlarged, horizontal' cross-section i along the section line 22-22 of FIGURE 18, showing,

in full lines, the doors in a retracted open location, and

showing in dotted lines, an intermediate location;

FIGURE 23 is a View` Similar to FIGURE zaten il- 'Y lustrating the door panels of that figure in the extended location; 1 v

FIGURE 24 is an enlarged, detail, sectional view along the lines 24-24 of FIGURE 23, looking in the direcf tion of the arrows;

, taken along the line 5-5 of' FIGURE l, looking in the Y FIGURE 25 is a further enlarged, detailv cross-sectional view taken substantially on lthe line v2.5-25 of FIGURE 24, looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional View of a slightly modified track assembly of the general. type seen in FIG- URE 22.

The environment of the present invention remains subf Y stantially the same, dimensionsA and minor details exaozasa s if@ Patented Anr- 17 i962 f i the like, which, of course, forms no part of the. invention, but which is necessarily described at the outset, and before proceeding with a detailed description of the invention per se. The door opening is formed in a wall which may be constructed of spaced-apart sheets of material 30, 32, such as wall board, or the like, the opening being framed out in any known manner so as to include a top jamb or header 34, and elongated, laterally spaced inner and outer side frame elements 36, 38, respectively. A floor surface 40, in conjunction with the header 34 and side. frames 36, 38, serves to define the aforesaid opening which is provided with usual finishing materials, such as conventional trim elements 42.

In FIGURES l through 7, inclusive, door installations employing two modified forms of the first described embodiment of the invention are illustrated, FIGURES 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 showing a two-panel form, and the remaining figures of this group showing the invention as embodied in a double-door arrangement, wherein the elements of the environment hereinbefore set forth are distinguished by the addition of the character a to the reference numeral thereof.

With initial reference to FIGURES l and 5, the folding door is identified therein generally by reference character 44. The door 44 is composed of a pair of substantially rectangular, inner and outer door panels 46, 48. The inner panel 46 is secured to the side frame element 36 by a plurality of hinges 50, which are connected between the distal side edge 52 of the panel and the adjoining side frame element 36. The hinges 50 are arranged such that the hinge sleeve portions thereof project outwardly of the element 36 a distance suicient to permit pivoting of the panel 46 to the location illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 5. The outer panel 48 is secured to the panel 46 by oppositely mounted hinges 54 secured along the respective proximal side edges 56, 58 of the panels 46, 48. Thus, the door panel 46 is hinged to the door frame for movement throughout the substantially 180 degree arc as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, and the panel 48 is hinged to the panel 36 for movement as shown in the last-named figures. As seen in FIGURE l, the panel 48 is provided with handle means 60 located preferably adjacent the proximal side edge 58 thereof.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, illustrated therein are the elements which collectively comprise ,the guide track means employed in the first described form of the invention. In this figure, reference numeral 62 designates a guide track asseembly which includes an elongated main track member 64, which, like the other components of this track assembly is preferably formed of metallic lstock such as aluminum, or the like. The track member 64 has a forward main channel piece 66 of inverted, generally U-shaped configuration, including a bight portion 68 from the side edges of which depend a pair of opposed, spaced-apart side arms, 70, 72. Integrally connected to the outer end edge of the side arm 72 is an elongated flange extension 74 which is coextensive in length with the channel piece 66. The flange extension 74 has a slot 76 formed therein adjacent one of its ends 78 for a purpose appearing in more detail below. The slot 76 has a first portion 80 which is substantially parallel and adjacent the side arm 72, and a second portion 82 which is curved in a direction away from the said side arm. Integrally secured to the outer side edge of the flange extension 74 is a depending abutment lip 84 which, as seen in the drawing, does not extend the full length of the flange extension 74 but rather is terminated at a location spaced inwardly of the end 78 thereof in order to permit clearance of the panel 46 when pivoting, the necessity for which will appear from the description which follows of the operation of this form of the invention.

The connection means for securing the track assembly to the door frame, and for the effective actuation of same, is also shown in FIGURE 7. The connection means includes a substantially rectangular, flat plate 86 having an elongated slot 88 formed therein. The plate 36 is secured to the header or top jamb 34 adjacent the onter corner edge thereof, and the header has a cutout portion 90 (see FIGURE 3) formed directly above the slot 88 and at least coextensive therewith. The plate S6 is fixedly secured to the header 34 by screws 92 (FIG- URE 6), or the like, which extend through apertures 94 which are provided therefor adjacent the opposite ends of the plate. An elongated, substantially cylindrical, threaded machine screw 96, having an enlarged circular head 98 located in the cut-out 90 is extended through the slot 88 and an aperture 100 which is formed in the bight portion 68 of the channel piece 66 adjacent the outer end thereof. The screw 96, as indicated in FIGURES 3 and 7, has a pair of lock nuts 102, 104, which are secured thereon. In FIGURE 3, it will be noted that the lock nuts 102, 104, are of such dimension that they are nonrotatable when engaged in place between the side arms 70, 72 of the channel piece 66. Thus, upon Vassembly and installation of the plate 86 with the channel piece 66 and the connection means, the necessity for subsequent adjustment of the connection is effectively obviated. From the foregoing it will also be noted that, by reason of the fixed connection of the machine screw 96 with the channel piece 66, and the slidable connection of same within the slot 88 of the plate 86, there is provided both a slidable and pivotal connection between the track memer 64 and the top frame 34 of the door.

Linkage means 106 is secured to the upper end edge of the door panel 48 adjacent the outer or distal side thereof, and includes a cup-shaped roller element 108, which may be formed of plastic, or the like, which projects outwardly from the panel, the roller element being secured to the panel by screw means 110. The cup-shaped roller member 108 is adapted to ride in the channel piece 66 between the side arms 70, 72 thereof, 'and is of such dimension that it is freely slidable therein.

A projecting lug element 112, comprising a second linkage between the door panels and the track member is provided adjacent the distal side 52 of the panel 46, the lug element 112 including a first vertical portion 114 secured in said panel, a second horizontal portion 116 which is perpendicular to the first portion and is driven into the panel 46 so that its upper surface is substantially coplanar with the end edge of the panel and, an upstanding third portion 118 perpendicular to the second portion and projecting upwardly and rearwardly of the end edge of the panel 46. As shown in FIGURES 3, 5, and 6, the third portion 118 of the lug element 112 is engaged in the slot 76 .to serve a function described infra.

In the modified structure of FIGURES 2, 2a, and 4, the construction is Vslightlyaltered to adapt the invention for use in those situations wherein it is desired to utilize a double-door arrangement comprised of at least four panels. Basically, the track mechanism described above is fully adaptable to this arrangement without substantial modication, with the exception of the necessity for a reversal of the parts for right or left hand use. Still further, in place of the plate 86 described above, there is provided an elongated, generally rectangular fiat plate 120 (FIG- URE 2cz) having a pair of longitudinally aligned guide slots 122, 124 formed therein. The plate 120 is secured, by screws 126, to the header 34a at a central location thus to permit mounting of a pair of panels 46a, 48a on each side thereof. The guide slots 122, 124 each receive a screw 96a having enlarged head 98a in the manner that the plate 86 receives the screw 96. Thus, it is seen that, in the two-door arrangement of the aforementioned figures, a pair of door-constructions are provided at each side of the "center of the door opening.

Proceeding now to a description of the assembly and operation of the folding door arrangement as set forth in FIGURES 1 to 7, the door panels 46 and 48 are, it is seen, adapted for movement from an extended, closed position to a retracted, open location wherein the panels are wholly clear of the door opening. The panels are guided throughout this movement in a predetermined path through the provision of the novel guide assembly hereinbefore described. With the elements in the extended locations as seen in FIGURE 6, outward force is applied to the panel 48through the handle means 60. This results in an initial outward movement of the panels with the roller member 108 sliding in the channel piece 66, and the third portion 118 of the lug 112 sliding in the slot 76, the distal side edge of the panel 48 sliding against the abutment lip 84. But for the provision of the plate 70, and the linkage means between the plate 86, and the tra-ck means 62, movement of the panels would be limited to substantially that location shown in phantom lines in FIGURE 5. However, `at approximately the last-named location, the third portion 118 of lug 112 ceases its sliding movement in the slot 76 as it reaches the bend portion thereof, thus exerting a lateral force on the track mechanism suicient to cause the depending screw 96 to slide in the slot 88 of the plate 86. Thus, referring again to FIGURE 5, as illustrated therein, the track 62 is moved from the phantom line location of that figure laterally Iand outwardly to the illustrated full line location, and in this last-named location, the door panels are placed in the aforesaid folded position.

The closing operation is a reversal of the steps set forth in the opening of the doors. That is, outward and lateral force applied to the panels through the handle means 60 is effective to move the panels in the track means 62, initially, to the phantom line location of FIGURE wherein the third portion 118 of the lug 112 again reaches the bend portion of the slot 76. The track means 62 is thus moved in a lateral inward direction as the panels 46, 48 continue to unfold. At such location las the third portion 118 reaches its maximum travel within the slot 76, the track means 62 is forced to the final location as shown in FIGURE 6.

The operation of the double-door arrangement of FIG- URES 2 and 4 would be substantially identical with that vdescribed above. The respective right or left set of panels may, of course, be utilized either singly or simultaneously.

It has been found that satisfactory operation can be obtained in an installation wherein the abutment lip 84 is omitted, thus obviating the necessity for a large portion of the ange extension 74 (the portion having the slot 76 excepted). However, the provision of the abutment lip 84 is preferred in that this contributes to the smooth, eflicient operation which is a characteristic of this folding door and guide track construction. In this connection, it is shown in the drawings, and particularly in FIGURE 5, that the abutment lip -84 serves as a bearing for the corner of the panel 48 during the above described movement thereof.

Proceeding now to a description of the invention as embodied in FIGURES 8 through 17, inclusive, it is to be noted that the environment remains the same, and that like reference characters are applied therein to the corresponding parts of said environment, the character b being supplied for the purpose of distinction. In this form of the invention, however, `a modified type of track assembly and linkage means `are employed. The track assembly and linkage means of this form of the invention are generally identified in the drawings by reference numeral 200. In FIGURES 9 and l0, it will be seen that the track and linkage assembly 200 includes an elongated, L-shaped structural member 202 having a leg portion 204 secured to the outer side edge of the top jamb or header 34b, and a foot portion 206 which is secured to the header 341; along the full length of its lower surface byjmeans of screws 208, or the like. The foot portion 206 is apertured at 210 for a purpose iappearing below.

The track assembly 200 further comprises an elongated track member or channel piece 212 of substantially inverted, U-shaped cross section (FIGURE 9), and in# cludes a horizontally disposed bight portion 214 from the lateral side edges of which depend a pair of spaced 'and confronting vertical arms 216, 218, which have inwardly turned horizontal flanges 220, 222 respectively, integrally secured to the lower ends thereof. Reference again being directed specifically to FIGURE 10, it is seen therein that the bight portion 214 is slotted at 224, and a screw 226 is extended upwardly therethrough and through the aperture 210 thereby pivotally and slidably securing the channel piece 212 to the top frame 34h. It will also be seen in the last-named ligure that the channel piece 212 is closed at its outer end by a vertical end piece 228, and is open at its inner end 230 to permit access thereto and disassembly of the track mechanism.

Projecting upwardly from the upper edge of the panel 4811 adjacent the outer end thereof is a first linkage means 232. Means 232, shown in detail in FIGURE 13, comprises a substantially discoidal bearing plate 234 having a central aperture 236 formed therein, and having a plurality of downwardly struck connection studs 238 formed at spaced locations about its periphery. The bearing plate 234 is secured yat the aforesaid location on the panel 48b adjacent its outer, distal end, and supports a cupped roller 240 thereon, the roller 240 having an annular boss 242 `at its upper end, and a diminished stern l 244 which bears against the plate 234. A wood screw 246, or the like, extends through an opening formed in the roller 240 and the yaperture 236 of the plate 234 to loosely secure the roller to the panel 48b. As illustrated in FIGURES 9 and l0, the roller 240 is adapted to ride in the channel piece 212 between the vertical arms 216, 21,8 thereof. The boss 242 is of such dimension that it is freely slidable between the arms, but its downward withdrawal therefrom is prevented by Ithe horizontal flanges 220 and 222. The stem 244 is, `as shown, slidable between said flanges.

Secured to the inner end edge of the panel 46b is the linkage means 248 for securing said end to the track assembly 200. The'means 248 comprises an elongated bearing plate 250 having a tail portion 252 and an opposite rounded head portion 254, perpendicularly depending flanges 256 extending along the opposite side edges thereof, and a perpendicularly upstanding tongue 258 projecting from the peripheral edge of the head 254. Referring specifically to FIGURE 14, it is seen therein that the plate 258 is apertured at 260 and at 262 for a purpose described below. Further included in the means 248 is an elongated, flat arm link 264. The link 264 has a pair of apertured, rounded end portions 266, 268, the end portion 266 being notched or cut away at 270 about substantially a 9() degree arc of its periphery to provide a pair of abutment edges 272, 274, and an elongated notch is formed at 276 for a purpose described more fully in dealing with the operation of this form of the invention.

With further reference to FIGURE 14, it is to be noted therein that panel 46b has a cut-out portion 278 formed therein which corresponds in shape to the outline contiguration of the plate 250. The plate 250 is tted into the cut-out portion 278, and the flanges 256 serve to locate the top of the plate in substantially the horizontal plane of the upper end of the panel 46h. A screw 280 extends through the aperture 260 and into the panel 46h, and the arm link 264 is pivotally connected to the plate 250 by means of 'another wood screw 282 which extends through the aperture in the end portion 266 and the aperture 262 in the plate 250. It is to be noted that the tongue 25-8 rides in the notch 270 and that its movement,

' and therefore relative movement between the link arm and the plate, is limited by the abutment edges 272, 274.

A machine screw 284 extends upwardly through the aperture formed in the end portion 268 of the link arm 264. Loosely mounted on the screw 284 is a cupped roller 286, including an enlarged annular boss 288 and a diminished stem 290 having a central opening (not aoaaees shown), through which the screw 284 passes. A nut 292 secures the roller 286 to the screw 284. Reference again being made to FIGURE l0, it will be noted therein that the roller 286 is slidably received in the channel piece 212 in the same manner as hereinbefore described with respect to the roller 240.

In FIGURES 8, 11, and 12, it is to be noted that an L-shaped spring cover means 294 is provided which serves a purpose which will become apparent below. The spring cover 294 has a leg portion 296 and a foot portion 298. The arrangement is such that the foot 298 is secured to the side frame 36h with the leg portion 296 projecting outwardly forwardly of the track means 200.

This form of the invention, like that described hereinbefore, is adaptable for use with a double-door arrangement, as seen in FIGURES 15 through 17. This arrangement merely utilizes two opposite hand embodiments as shown and described with respect to FIGURES 8 through 14. Necessary modifications include the provision of a further elongated, L-shaped structural member 30!) which constitutes merely two of the above described members 202 joined, either integrally or otherwise, at the center of the door opening.

Modification is also necessary of the cover spring. Shown in FIGURES l and 15a is a cover spring 302 which includes an outer cover element 304 having opposite end portions 306, 308. A perpendicular connection means 310 is utilized in securing this element to the center of the door opening as clearly seen in FIGURE 15.

In operation, the form of the invention of FIGURES 8 through 17 is similar to that of the previously described figures, and it will be noted that the door panels 4Gb and 43b are movable from an extended, closed position to a retracted, folded location wherein they are wholly clear of the door opening, and positioned in parallel relationship with respect to the associated wall structure. In FIGURES 11 and 12, it will be noted that upon the application of initial outward pressure to the panel 48b through the handle 60h, the panels break outwardly as seen in phantom lines in FIGURE 12 with the rollers 240 and 286 riding in the channel piece 212, and the link arm 264 is pivoted outwardly to the extent permitted by the abutment means 272. As the door panel 4611 reaches the position wherein the pivoting of the link arm 264 is restricted from further movement by means of the abut.- ment 272, the closed end 228 of the channel piece 212 limits further movement of the roller 286 therein, and therefore exerts lateral force on the channel piece 212. This force results in movement of the channel piece 212 which is permitted to slide laterally within the contines of the slot 224. The iinal, folded location of the panels 46b, 48h is shown in full lines in FIGURE l2, and it is shown therein that the channel piece 212 has thereat reached the location wherein the screw 226 is located at the outer end of the slot 224.

In the reverse or closing operation, the link arm 264 pivots in the opposite direction to its limit of movement provided by the abutment means 274 wherein the channel piece 212 is laterally moved back to the dotted line position of FIGURE 12, and the final closing action is provided by an inward thrust against the door panels applied through the handle means 60b.

It is to be noted that the spring cover element 294, which includes the leg portion 296 which is sprung outwardly at its distal end during operation, serves to aid in the guiding and direction of the channel piece 212 during the operation, and further serves to conceal the opening which results from the lateral movement of the channel during such time as the channel piece is moved to the full line location of FIGURE 12.

The operation of the double-door arrangement of FIG- URE 15 is identical with that previously described, and merely comprises an opposite hand arrangement of two of these assemblies, the components of which have the character c" appended thereto in the drawings.

In FIGURES 18 through 24 is illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention. Of particular interest in this form of the invention is the fact that the track means is wholly concealed from view, from one side, when the door panels are in their extended, closed location. It is therefore to be noted that the panels 46d, 48d, extend over substantially the entire door opening, and it is not necessary that the panels be spaced downwardly from the top jamb 34d in order to utilize this track means therewith.

The track and linkage assembly used in this form of the invention is generally designated by the reference character 400. The assembly 400 includes an elongated, substantially rectangular stationary plate 402 secured to the header or top jamb 34d by wood screws 404, or the like. At a determined location intermediate its ends, the plate 402 is apertured at 406 for a purpose described below.

An elongated track member or channel piece 408 is provided, and includes a bight portion 410, and a pair of spaced apart, depending side arms 412, 414. The construction of the channel piece 408 is further shown in FIGURES 24 and 25 wherein it will be noted that the side arms 412, 414, each have a cut-out portion providing a pair of internal longitudinally extending slots 416 and 418 which extend throughout the full lengths thereof, and there is thereby provided a pair of abutment shoulders 420, 422, which serve a function appearing in more detail below. The channel piece 408 further includes a pair of inner and outer open ends 424, 426 (FIGURE 21), the side arms 412 and 414 being terminated at a location spaced inwardly of the end 426, and the bight portion 410 being apertured at 428 for a purpose appearing below. The bight portion 410 has an elongated, longitudinally extending slot 430 formed therein adjacent the end 424, and a Wood screw 432 is extended therethrough, and through the aperture 406 in the plate 402, for connection in the header 34d, thereby slidably and pivotally securing the channel piece 408 to the door frame.

A second channel piece or slide member 434 is provided, and as seen in FIGURE 25, is of generally T- shape in cross section. The slide member may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal or the like, but structural nylon has been found very satisfactory. Specially, the slide member 434 includes a top portion 436, and a pair of spaced apart, depending side portions 438, 440, which are positioned at locations adjacent to but spaced inwardly of the side edges of the top portion 436 so that said top portion has, in effect, a pair of laterally projecting flange means 442, 444. Referring to FIG- URES 24 and 25, it is shown therein that the flange means 442 and 444 are engaged in the corresponding internal slots 416 and 418 of the channel piece 408, and are maintained in this location by the abutment shoulders 420 and 422, respectively. The slide member 434 has opposite closed ends 446, 448, the purpose of which appears below.

Secured to the inner face of the door panel 46d adjacent the distal side edge thereof is a first linkage means or connection assembly 450 (FIGURE 2l) for securing the panel to the channel piece 408. The connection assembly 450 comprises a support member 452 of nverted L-shape having a leg portion 454 and a foot p0rtion 456. The leg portion 454 is iixedly secured to the door panel, thus positioning the foot portion 456 in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A cylindrical lug 458 projects vertically from the upper side of the foot portion 456 for connection with the aperture 428 formed in the bight 410 of the channel piece 408. It should be noted that the outer end of the foot portion 456 is rounded, in order to provide clearance for the side arms 416, 418 during the pivoting of the channel piece 408 relative thereto which takes place during the operationof the door assembly.

The distal end of the panel 48d is also provided with a connection assembly 460 which is identical in construction With the hereinbefore described assembly 450, and hence, corresponding numerals are applied thereto with a prime mark added to distinguish the same. Note however that the assembly 460 is located immediately along the side edge of the panel 48d and is in a vertically spaced plane with respect to the plane of the assembly 450 (see FIGURE 19). The panel 48d has a cut-out portion 462 which directly overlies the linkage means, and as shown in FIGURE 20, the lug 458 is received in the slide member 434 between the side portions 43S, 440 thereof.

In operation, as exemplified in FIGURES 22 and 23, it is seen that, once again, the panels 46d and 48d are movable in a path controlled by the track means from an extended, closed position, to a folded, open position. With the panels in the closed extended location illustrated in FIGURE 23, outward force is applied through the handle means 60d to the panel 48d, thus resulting in a slight outward breaking of the panels and movement of the lug 458 in the slide member 434. This movement continues, with the cut-out portion 462 allowing pivotal movement of the panel 48d relative to the track assembly, until the lug 260 reaches the closed end 246 of the slide member 232. Upon reaching this point, the action of the lug 258 against the closed end 446 of the slide member 434 is eective to move the slide member laterally Within the channel piece 408 to substantially the location shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 22. As before stated, the provision of the lug 258, which is non-slidably secured to the channel piece 408, results in a lateral movement of of the said channel piece as the panel 46d is pivoted. At the conclusion of a full 180 degree pivoting of the panel 46d the maximum lateral movement of the slideV 434 in the channel piece 40S has been accomplished, and it will be noted that the door panels have reached a fully open folded location in which the panel 46d is located in spaced and substantially parallel relation to the associated side Wall, and the panel 48d is at least approximately parallel to the panel 46d, in any case, the panels being wholly clear of the door opening and in a convenient, and inconspicuous location.

A reversal of this operation results in closing of the door panels.

As will readily appear to those skilled in the art from the preceding descriptions, the door construction illustrated in FIGURES 18 through 24 is also adapted to a double-door installation by means of the provision of two assemblies. Of particular interest in connection with this form of the invention is the fact that the same track and linkage means may be utilized, optionally, for either a right or a left hand opening door assembly without modication.

FIGURE 26 is representative of a slightly modied construction for the track assembly used in the form of this invention illustrated in FIGURES 18 through 24. In the aforementioned view, it is seen that an elongated track member or channel piece 500 is provided, and is secured, both slidably and pivotally, to the plate 402. The channel piece 500 includes a horizontally disposed bight portion 502 from the opposite side edges of which depend a pair of spaced apart, vertical side arms 504, 506, having inwardly turned anges 508, 510, respectively, at their lower or free ends. The bight portion 502 has an elongated slot 512 formed therein which is similar to the slot 430 in the channel piece 408, and a screw 514 is extended through the slot 512 and the aperture 406 in the plate 402 for connection in the header 34d. v An annular washer 516, preferably formed of structural nylon or the like, is provided on the screw 514 and serves to maintain the head portion of the screw in spaced relation with respect to the bight portion 502. The modication shown in FIGURE 26 also includes an inner slide member 518 which comprises a generally rectangular body portion 520 preferably formed of nylon, having a pair of closed ends, and having an elongated slot 522 therein. A pair of upstanding ears 524, 526 are provided, and extend along the upper side edges of the body portion 520. As seen in the drawings the ears serve to maintain the body portion 520 in the desired location in the channel piece 500, and provide clearance for the head portion of the screw 514 and the washer 516.

The slot 522 is adapted to receive the lug 458', and the operation and assembly are identical with that described above with respect to FIGURES 18 through 24.

Having described and illustrated several embodiments of this invention in detail, it is to be understood that this description and illustration is offeredA merely by way of example, and that the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: Y

1, Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame, a folding door having at least two door panels hinged to one another, one of the Apanels being hinged to the door frame, the guide means comprising a track member having an elongated trackway therein; connection means securing the track member to the door frame such that both lateral and pivotal movement of the track member with respect to the door frame results from movement of the panels; and linkage means projecting from at least one of the door panels engaging the trackway of the track member thereby to guide the door panels in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

2. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall and delining a door opening, a folding Vdoor having at least two door panels hinged to one another, one of said panels being hinged to the door frame, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing the opening dened by the door frame to a folded position wholly clear of the opening; the guide means comprising a track member having an elongated trackway therein; connection means securing the track member to the door frame such that both lateral and pivotal movement of the track member with respect to the door frame results from movement of the panels, said track member being wholly disposed within said opening dened by said door frame when said panels are in the extended position, and being pivoted outwardly thereof during movement of the panels to said folded position; and linkage means projecting from at least one of the door panels engaging the trackway of the track member thereby to guide the door panels in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

3. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall and dening a door opening, a folding door having at least two door panels hinged to one another, one of said panels being hinged to the door frame, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing the opening dened by the door frame to a folded position wholly clear of the opening; the guide means comprising a track member having an elongated trackway therein; connection means securing the track member to the door frame; said connection means permitting both lateral and pivotal movement of the track member with respect to the door frame, said track member being wholly disposed within said opening defined by the door frame when said panels are in said extended position, and being pivoted outwardly thereof during movement of the panels to said folded position; and linkage means projecting from each of said panels thereby to guide the door panels in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

-spaced apart, vertically disposed side frame elements delining a door opening in the Wall; a folding door having at least twodoor panels'hinged to one another, one of said door panels being hinged to one of said side frame elements, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing said door opening to a folded position clear of said door opening; the guide means comprising a track member having an elongated trackway therein, said track member being disposed wholly within said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels; connection means securing said track member to said top jamb and permitting both lateral and pivotal movement thereof; and linkage means projecting upwardly from at least one of the door panels for engagement within the trackway of the track member thereby to guide the door panels in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

5. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb and a pair of spaced apart vertically disposed Side frame elements defining a door opening in said wall; a pair of oppositely mounted folding doors each having at least two door panels hinged to one another, one panel of each pair being hinged to the adjacent one of said side frame elements; the guide means comprising a pair of oppositely mounted guide track members each having an elongated trackway therein; connection means securing each of said track members to said top jarnb adjacent the center thereof and permitting both lateral and pivotal movement of the track members with respect to the top jamb; linkage means projecting from each of said door panels for engagement within the trackway of the adjacent track member thereby to guide the pairs of door panels in predetermined paths throughout the opening and closing thereof.

6. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the dooi frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed side frame elements defining a door opening, a folding door including an inner panel and an outer panel, the inner panel being hinged to the adjacent one of said side frame elements, and the outer panel being hinged to the inner panel, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position clear of the door opening; the guide means comprising an elongated track member which includes a substantially U-shaped channel piece, the track member being wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels, said track member further including a ange extension connected thereto, the flange extension having a slot formed therein; connection means slidably and pivotally securing said track member to the top jamb; first linkage means projecting from said inner panel and engaged in said slot of said flange extension; and second linkage means, including a roller member, projecting from said outer panel, the roller member being slidably mounted in said channel piece, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

7. Guide means as defined in claim 6, and a depending abutment lip on said flange extension adapted to bear against one of said panels during the opening and closing thereof.

8. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed side frame elements defining a door opening; a folding door including an inner panel and an outer panel, the inner panel being hinged to the adjacent one of said side frame elements, and the outer panel being hinged to the inner panel, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position clear of the door opening; the guide means comprising an elongated substantially U-shaped track member; connection means slidably and pivotally securing the track member to said top jamb, the track member being wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels; first linkage means iixedly secured to said outer panel and including a roller member slidably received in said track member; and second linkage means, the second linkage means including an arm link pivotally secured to the inner panel, and a second roller member secured to said arm link and slidably received in the track member, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

9. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed side frame elements defining a door opening; a folding door including an inner panel and an outer panel, the inner panel being hinged to the adjacent one of said side frame elements, and the outer panel being hinged to the inner Panel, the panels being adapted to be moved from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position clear of the door opening; the guide means comprising an elongated, U-shaped track member, the track member being wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels; connection means slidably and pivotally securing the track member to said top jamb; a slide member slidably secured in said track member; first linkage means projecting from said outer panel and secured, pivotally to said track member; and second linkage means projecting from said inner panel and secured, both pivotally and slidably, in said slide member, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

l0. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb, and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed inner and outer side frame elements defining a door opening; a folding door including an inner panel hinged to said inner side frame element and an outer panel hinged to the inner panel, the panels being adapted for movement from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position wherein said panels are located in closely spaced, substantially parallel and confronting relationship to the wall; the guide means comprising an elongated track member which includes a substantially U-shaped channel piece, the track member being wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels, said track member further including a flange extension connected thereto, the ange extension having a slot formed therein; connection means slidably and pivotally securing the track member to said top jamb adjacent said outer frame element; first linkage means projecting from said inner panel and engaged in said slot of said flange extension; and second linkage means, including a roller member, projecting from said outer panel, the roller member being slidably mounted in said channel piece, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

l1. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb, and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed inner and outer side frame elements defining a door opening; a folding door including an inner panel hinged to said inner side frame element and an outer panel hinged to the inner panel, the panels being adapted for movement from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position wherein said panels are located in closely spaced, substantially parallel and confronting relationship to the wall; the guide means comprising an elongated substantially U-shaped track mem-ber; connection means slidably and pivotally securing the track member to said top jamb adjacent said outer frame element, the track member being wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels; first linkage means iixedly secured to said outer panel and including a roller member slidably received in said track member; and second linkage means, the second linkage means including an arm link pivotally secured to the inner panel, and a second roller member secured to said arm link and slidably received in the track member, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

12. Guide means for use in a door construction which includes a door frame mounted in a Wall, the door frame having a horizontally disposed top jamb, and a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed inner and outer side frame elements defining a door opening; a folding door including an inner panel hinged to said inner side frame element and an outer panel hinged to the inner panel, the panels being adapted for movement from an extended position closing the door opening to a folded position wherein said panels are located in closely spaced, substantially parallel and confronting relationship to the wall; the guide means `comprising an elongated, U-shaped track member, the track member being Wholly disposed in said door opening when said panels are in the extended position and being moved pivotally outwardly thereof by the folding of the door panels; connection means slidably and pivotally securing the track member to said top jamb adjacent said outer frame elements; a slide member slidably secured in said Atrack member; first linkage means projecting from said outer panel and secured, pivotally, to said track member; and second linkage means projecting from said inner panel and secured, both pivotally and slidably, in said slide member, whereby the door panels are guided in a predetermined path throughout the opening and closing thereof.

Ault Aug, 7, 1956 Helwig July 1, 1958 

